If you add a new required variable to .env.local , update .env.example accordingly.
This is where comes in as an elegant solution.
// Load the default file (committed) if (file_exists($root.'.env.default')) Dotenv::createMutable($root, '.env.default')->load(); .env.default.local
Use comments within the file to explain what each variable does or where a teammate can find the necessary credentials.
Never commit .env.default.local or any other .local file to version control. Add them to your global .gitignore file immediately. typewriter # .gitignore .env*.local !.env.example Use code with caution. Provide an Example Template If you add a new required variable to
In your .env.local file, you can override the default value with your actual API key:
By adopting this pattern, you achieve:
Consider a BLACKLISTED_IPS variable.
// 2. Override with local overrides (if exists) const localResult = dotenv.config( path: path.resolve(process.cwd(), '.env.default.local'), override: true // Critical: allows overwriting the default ); Never commit
Do not put API keys or passwords in .env.default.local if it is checked into git. Use .env.local for those.
: Local overrides for all environments; do not commit . .env.development : Specific settings for development.